Kazakhstan profile

Demography and Health

Kazakhstan in 2024 has a population of about 20.6 million people, ranking around 63 globally, reflecting a sizable middle-income country with a relatively young demographic profile. The population density is modest, and net migration in 2024 shows outward movement totaling roughly 7,400 people, hinting at broader regional migration dynamics that economically tug on the labor market and urban growth. Fertility remains mid-range, with a crude birth rate around 20.1 per 1,000 people (2023), while the crude death rate sits at about 6.7 per 1,000 (2023), contributing to a demographic structure that requires sustained public services and long-term planning. Life expectancy at birth stands at 74.4 years (2023), and under-5 mortality is 9.6 per 1,000 live births (2023), underscoring ongoing health challenges alongside successes in child health compared with many lower-income peers. Poverty persists at about 5.2% of the population (2023), while the prevalence of undernourishment was 2.5% in 2022, indicating a relatively contained but still relevant safety net issue in rural and poorer urban environments. Health financing reflects a moderate share of GDP, with current health expenditure at 3.74% of GDP (2022) and a per-capita measure of about 695 international dollars in domestic general government health expenditure, PPP (2022), suggesting room for expanding access and efficiency in health services. Kazakhstan also faces a notable public health challenge in suicide mortality, at 14.6 per 100,000 population (2021). The digital dimension is robust, with 92.9% of the population using the Internet in 2023, supporting telemedicine and health information systems, even as the health system grapples with persistent infectious disease management and non-communicable disease burdens. Environmental and safety aspects intersect with health, as high life expectancy and relatively high urbanization require investments in air quality, road safety, and mental health services to sustain well-being.

Economy

Kazakhstan’s economy features a per capita GDP of about $14,005 (current US$, 2024), with a purchasing power parity GDP per capita of $40,813 (2024), indicating a level of welfare that sits between middle-income peers and more advanced economies. Inflation runs relatively high at 8.84% (2024), reflecting macroeconomic adjustment pressures, currency dynamics, and price shocks that can affect household purchasing power. The country shows a mixed trajectory in labor markets, with unemployment around 4.86% (2022), suggesting a relatively tight labor market, though regional and sectoral disparities likely persist. The current account balance is modestly negative at -1.28% of GDP (2024), and net foreign direct investment inflows are negative at -0.236% of GDP (2024), signaling either capital outflows or reinvestment dynamics that may constrain domestic investment despite a generally open economy. The economy remains export-oriented, with exports of goods and services constituting 34.5% of GDP (2023) and imports at 27.5% of GDP (2023), illustrating a relatively open trade stance. High-technology exports are a meaningful but still growing component, totaling about $5.15 billion (2023), underscoring ongoing diversification beyond extractive sectors. Research and development expenditure stands at 0.145% of GDP (2023), ranking 23rd in the system, indicating substantial headroom for increasing innovation-driven growth. Overall, the economy benefits from a significant resource base and improving human capital indicators, but it faces inflationary pressures, modest positive or negative capital flows, and a need for stronger policy frameworks to translate openness into durable, inclusive growth.

Trade and Investment

Trade indicators reveal Kazakhstan’s openness, with exports of goods and services amounting to 34.5% of GDP (2023) and imports at 27.5% of GDP (2023), pointing to a trade-led development model with a positive additive effect on growth. The country’s high-technology export sector is substantial, totaling around $5.15 billion (2023), highlighting a diversification pathway beyond traditional commodity exports. The logistics environment provides moderate to strong capacity for trade, with the Logistics Performance Index measuring 2.5 (1=low to 5=high) in 2022 and a relatively favorable rank of 21 in quality of trade and transport-related infrastructure, indicating progress in supply-chain efficiency and cross-border movement. The foreign sector faces external financing dynamics, as net FDI inflows are negative (−0.236% of GDP in 2024), implying capital flight or reinvestment patterns rather than net inflows, which could affect investment in productivity-enhancing sectors unless policy measures improve confidence. The current account, at −1.28% of GDP (2024), suggests a modest external imbalance that could be managed through policy adjustment and targeted investment. Taken together, Kazakhstan shows strong trade integration and a capability to innovate, but investment climates and macro-financial conditions will determine the sustainability of growth and resilience to external shocks.

Governance and Institutions

The governance landscape in Kazakhstan presents a mix of strengths and vulnerabilities. Political stability and absence of violence/terrorism registers at −0.273 in 2023, with a relatively weak position in rule of law at −0.447, and a control of corruption score around −0.267. Regulatory quality sits at 0.066, and government effectiveness at 0.147, pointing to a governance system that is capable of implementing reforms and delivering public services in some areas, while the rule of law and anti-corruption dimensions indicate ongoing challenges for the consistency and predictability of institutions. Such a profile can influence business confidence, contract enforcement, and long-term investment decisions. While there is some empirical evidence of effective public administration, the data suggest room for strengthening legal frameworks, judicial independence, law enforcement, and transparent governance to bolster investment and protect rights across the economy.

Infrastructure and Technology

In technology and infrastructure, Kazakhstan demonstrates notable connectivity and innovation potential. Individuals using the Internet reach 92.9% of the population (2023), reflecting a strong digital platform for commerce, education, and governance. The country’s research and development expenditure is 0.145% of GDP (2023), ranking 23rd, which signals ongoing investment in science and innovation albeit at a level below many peers; increasing R&D intensity could catalyze higher productivity and more advanced industry sectors. Renewable energy consumption accounts for 2% of total final energy consumption (2021) and is accompanied by a relatively high level of greenhouse gas emissions per capita, underscoring both the reliance on fossil fuels and the need for a robust energy transition. The presence of high-technology exports (around $5.15 billion in 2023) demonstrates capability in advanced manufacturing and tech sectors, while logistics performance (LPI) at 2.5 with a rank of 21 suggests improving but still evolving trade-related infrastructure. Overall, Kazakhstan has a solid digital backbone and growing innovation footprint, with strategic opportunities to expand renewables, enhance R&D, and modernize infrastructure to sustain competitiveness.

Environment and Sustainability

Environmental indicators reveal a climate and resource-intensive profile. Total greenhouse gas emissions per capita stand at 15.8 t CO2e in 2023, ranking 18th globally, which places Kazakhstan among higher-emitting nations on a per-person basis and highlights the imperative for decarbonization and energy transition. Freshwater resources face substantial stress; water withdrawal as a share of available freshwater resources is 34.1% (2021), placing the country in a moderate to high stress category and underscoring the need for integrated water resource management, conservation, and climate adaptation strategies. Renewable energy consumption remains low at 2% of total final energy consumption (2021), pointing to a heavy reliance on fossil fuels despite large-scale energy resources; policy shifts toward expanding renewables could yield both environmental and macroeconomic benefits. The interplay of these environmental factors with economic growth, urbanization, and agricultural practices will shape Kazakhstan’s long-term sustainability trajectory and its ability to meet global climate commitments while ensuring social and economic resilience.